Latch for automobile doors



E J. CHADWICK LATCH FOR AUTOMOBILE DOORS Filed Nov. 1 1925 Elmer J Chadwick INVENTQR A WM A ORNE Y 2X; llllllllll F Ann J u Feb. 10. 1925.

Patented Feb. 10, 1925.

PATENT OFFICE.

ELIVIEB J. GHADWIOK, OF COTATI, CALIFORNIA.

LATCH FOE AUTOMOBILE DOORS.

Application filed November 16, 1923.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Emma J. Crmnwron, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cotati, in the county of Sonoma and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Latches for Automobile Doors, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to provide a latch for the doors of automobiles, which permits of positive action in the opening and closing movement of the latch element,all tendency to stick, and danger of accidental opening being avoided.

A further object is to provide a latch useful under other conditions, and which shall include a locking element, a handle and shank, and particular means for connecting these members, permitting of the operation above indicated.

lVith the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of elements described, illustrated and claimed, it being understood that modifications may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a view in horiZont-al section and top plan; Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows, chiefly in top plan, a modified arrangement in which the shank designed to carry the handle will be mounted in vertical position.

The latch 10 is movable in a horizontal direction, about a vertical axis, and includes an engaging portion 11 and an inner lateral ly extending arm 12 connected with a coiled spring 13 secured at the point 1% to the housing 15.

Engaging portion 11 of the latch has a rounded surface and cooperates with and engages a concave surface 16 of a keeper 17. This keeper includes a straight portion 18 secured to the inner wall 19 of a recess 20 in the side Wall, or the frame of a door, as the case may be. A portion of the door 22 is recessed at 23 for the housing 15 of the latch.

Serial No. 675,192.

A handle 25 includes a shank 26 having a portion 27 extending at an angle to the main part of the shank, and projecting downwardly, when mounted. The stem 28 of the socket member 29 is mounted in part 27, and a ball 30, received by the socket, has formed thereon a stem 81 mounted in an arm 82 rigid with latch 10. The stems may be slidable in the bores in which they are mounted, and the rotation of shank 26 by the handle causes movement of latch 10 about a vertical axis, in securing and releasing the door. The stop 34 and spring 13 cooperate in holding edge 10 of the latch in an inclined position, so that in closing the door the latch is first forced inwardly and then thrown to locking position by the spring.

In another form, latch 10, rotatable with vertical shank 26 includes engaging portion 11, having a convex surface, and arm 12 connected with spring 13. The keeper is designated 17'.

What I claim is:

1. In a device of the class described, a housing to be mounted in a door, a latch, an arm connected with the latch and providing for the pivotal mounting thereof, a handle including a shank, the latch being movable about an axis perpendicular to the shank, and ball and socket elements connected with each other and having telescoping relation respectively with the shank and arm.

2. In a device of the class described, a housing to be mounted in a door, a latch pivotally mounted in the housing, a spring holding the latch normally in an outer position, for engaging a keeper, an arm connected with the latch for throwing the latter, ball and socket elements, and an operating device connected with one of said elements, the remaining element of the ball and socket connection being slidable with reference to the arm and having telescoping connection therewith.

ELMER J. CHADWICK. 

